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Why You Should Practice Gratitude This Thanksgiving Season

Thanksgiving takes on many descriptions. In grade school, we learn all about it as the day the pilgrims and Native Americans sat down together for a harmonious meal. As adults, it’s a day we get together with the ones we love to enjoy a massive feast, at which, we will without out a doubt overeat.

Thanksgiving evokes images of turkeys, feasts and Black Friday. Unfortunately, somewhere along the way the true purpose of the day has faded into the background. The word itself says to give thanks, but how many of us actually take the day as an opportunity to do so?

Here are three reasons you should practice gratitude this Thanksgiving.

You’ll be Happier

No matter how grumpy you are, being grateful inevitably makes you feel better and happier. In order to be grateful, you’re forced to recognize the kindness of others and the good things in life. If you only focus on the positive, your mind can’t wonder to the negative.

Gratitude creates a ripple effect on your emotions in a way that improves your overall mood. Furthermore, any feelings of envy or wanting disappear when we shift our eyes to all the blessings and immaterial good we have in our lives.

It has Health Benefits

Gratitude has an oddly large affect on your actual health. One important aspect of your health that gratefulness improves is your sleep. By ending your day on a positive note, instead of tying your mind up with negative thoughts, you’ll sleep more soundly.

Gratitude also increases your energy levels, reduces depression, and lessens stress. It can make you more prone to living a healthier lifestyle. Moreover, a happier mind is the beginning to a happier physical being as well, which can only mean good things for the future.

It Can Improve Your Work Life

People tend to gravitate towards those who have a positive atmosphere and attitude, both things being grateful brings upon a person. You’ll get along with co-workers, superiors and employees better. If you’re in a leadership role, gratitude will ultimately help you there as well. You’ll be more likely to give praise and appreciation where it’s due, which will create happier, healthier employees.

Gratitude will also create more productivity in yourself. If you’re not constantly focused on your worries and insecurities, you’ll be more confident and have more energy to focus on your work.

In a world where it seems as though you’re constantly bombarded with the negative, it’s difficult to make a shift and focus on the good. Thanksgiving exists for that very reason. To provide us with a reminder at least one day a year, to be grateful for the blessings in our life. Instead of focusing on the feast and getting ready to brave the crowds of Black Friday, take time to remember why the day exists in the first place.

Of course why stop there? Practicing gratitude would positively affect us all well beyond the Thanksgiving season.

Do you practice gratitude during Thanksgiving? What are some ways you practice gratitude?